Optimizing Embryo Transfer Success: Your Questions Answered

Written By Lora Shahine, MD

How do you make an embryo stick? Is there anything you can do to improve embryo transfer success? And how do you know which advice is science-backed versus fertility folklore? 

In this special solo Q&A episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine answers the questions patients ask most often when preparing for an embryo transfer.

What really matters during an IVF embryo transfer? Using real questions from Instagram, YouTube, and her own practice, she walks listeners through fresh vs. frozen embryo transfer, what happens on transfer day, whether you need a full bladder, lying down afterward, Valium use, pineapple cores, French fries, genetic testing, ERA testing, and how uterine lining preparation actually works.

Listeners will come away with a clearer understanding of embryo transfer success rates, frozen embryo transfer protocols, and implantation timing, and get their real questions answered.

In this episode you’ll hear:

[1:27] What should I expect on transfer day?

[8:00] What happens post-transfer?

[9:35] Funny myths: pineapple cores & McDonalds french fries

[13:46] Fresh vs. frozen transfer myths

[20:18] Pre-transfer testing and ERA

[24:37] Natural vs. medicated transfer protocols

[28:30] Conclusion & final thoughts

Links and Resources:

Embryo Transfer: What to Expect on YouTube

Does the Embryo Fall Out: Embryo Transfer Tips on YouTube

Fresh vs. Frozen Transfers: Pros and Cons on YouTue

Studies Mentioned:

Randomized Controlled Trial for FET Protocols: PMID: 38944045

Retrospective analysis Perinatal Outcomes with FET protocols PMID:33926401Randomized Controlled Trial for ERA before FET PMID: 36472596

Randomized Controlled Trial Bedrest after embryo transfer: PMID:31520259

Dr. Shahine’s Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations

Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books

Lora Shahine, MD

Dr. Lora Shahine, reproductive endocrinologist at Pacific NW Fertility and Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Washington in Seattle, completed her residency in OBGYN at the University of California in San Francisco and fellowship in reproductive endocrinology at Stanford University. She is dedicated to educating and advocating for increased awareness of infertility, miscarriage, and the impact on environmental toxins on health through an active social media presence, teaching, clinical research, and authoring multiple blogs and books including best selling, ‘Not Broken: An Approachable Guide to Miscarriage and Recurrent Pregnancy Loss.’

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